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In observance of Dengue Awareness Month this June, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) strengthened its commitment to stop the spread of dengue disease as the rainy season began. 

Despite the fact that dengue cases continued to decline over the last ten weeks, according to the Department of Health, PRC Chairman and CEO Dick Gordon said that the PRC is strengthening its nationwide efforts, especially in dengue hot spot areas. 

“We continue to monitor the dengue situation in our country through our dedicated Health Services teams and Red Cross volunteers working tirelessly on the ground lalo na ngayon at nag-umpisa na ang tag-ulan. We want to assure everyone that the Philippine Red Cross has an ample supply of safe and quality blood nationwide. We remain committed to saving lives, ensuring that every Filipino in need receives quality healthcare and support from us,” Chairman Gordon stated. 

As of June 15, PRC’s dengue information drive reached 35,000 individuals and 70 schools. The organization’s cleanup activities were conducted in 450 barangays with approximately 9,000 volunteers mobilized. 

Last February 22 to 23 this year, the PRC’s nationwide simultaneous cleanup drive “Linis BEATs Dengue” reached 375 communities with 6,210 volunteers deployed from various PRC chapters. 

“Dengue is preventable, and it starts with clean homes and communities. We are encouraging everyone to make this a community activity, after all, a clean environment is a safe environment. For dengue patients, PRC has 109 blood facilities nationwide so we ensure that we have enough blood supply to help you recover,” PRC Secretary-General Dr. Gwen Pang added. 

The PRC encourages the public to become members of the Philippine Red Cross through the Safe Card membership program, which entitles members to one unit of whole blood, ambulance service, and accident-related hospitalization coverage for an annual fee of 1,200 pesos or 100 pesos per month. PRC also stated that aside from the mentioned perks, there are additional benefits covered by the Safe Card, which includes dengue treatment.

The foremost humanitarian organization in the country, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC), continues to shed light and aid for thousands of vulnerable individuals affected by the Mt. Kanlaon eruption for more than 170 days or six months. 

According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), Mount Kanlaon is still in Alert Level 3 with intensified magmatic unrest, which means it is currently in a relatively high level of unrest and hazardous eruption within days or weeks. It is therefore recommended that the 6-km radius Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) remain evacuated due to the danger of PDCs, lava flows, rock falls, and other volcanic hazards. Citizens are advised not to return to the danger zone area due to the threat of the impact of volcanic eruption. 

Responding effectively and efficiently to the needs of affected Filipinos, the PRC deployed a pool of humanitarian assets within Negros Oriental and Occidental, including areas within the Visayas Region. PRC mobilized four food trucks, four ambulances, and a payloader. 

“Tuloy-tuloy ang ating operasyon sa Kanlaon. Sa loob ng anim na buwan, walang patid ang pagbibigay natin ng tulong at pag-asa sa ating mga kababayang apektado ng pagsabog ng bulkan. Makakaasa po kayo na palaging nariyan ang Philippine Red Cross upang kayo ay saklolohan at tulungang makabangon,” PRC Chairman and CEO Dick Gordon stated. 

As of June 16, the organization distributed hot meals to 29,195 individuals; 330 food packs; 1,563 pieces of bread, kitchen sets, blankets, and mosquito nets to 296 families; 1,099 pieces of face masks; and 11,200,500 liters of potable water. 

PRC set up four water stations with bladders, 59 first aid stations, and 104 welfare desks. 

Additionally, it conducted hygiene promotions, health consultations, health promotion sessions, psychological first aid, child-friendly activities, and clearing operations. 

“The PRC remains on high alert as we continue to provide necessary support to the affected people in Negros and nearby areas. We will continue to monitor the situation through our Red Cross staff and volunteers on the ground. Sa ating mga kababayan, manatili po tayong alerto at sumunod sa safety protocols para sa inyong kaligtasan,” PRC Secretary-General Dr. Gwen Pang said. 

For emergency assistance, call the PRC hotline at 143.

Relying on a voluntary blood donation system since 1947 for adequate, safe, quality and affordable blood supply, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) assures the public that it has sufficient blood for the whole nation. 

“Our Assistant Secretary-General and Head of National Blood Services Dr. Christie Monina Nalupta reported to me that there is a prominent hospital in need of blood supply. In fact, we established partnerships with St. Lukes Medical Center, Cardinal Santos Medical Center, AC Healthway Cancer Center and Sacred Heart Malolos for their blood supply whenever they need it,” Chairman Gordon said. 

“I assure our people that the Philippine Red Cross is ready to provide blood to hospitals across the country. May daily monitoring tayo ng nakukuhang dugo mula sa blood facilities natin, inire-report ‘yan sa Operations Center namin sa National Headquarters kaya siguradong sapat ang supply ng dugo para sa ating mga kababayan,” Gordon added. 

As the country’s major blood supplier, PRC ensures a steady blood supply from voluntary blood donation from its regular donors and partners, creating a culture of volunteerism through its dynamic blood donation efforts. 

In 2024, the PRC collected 588,575 blood units; dispensed 608,484 blood bags; and served 301,852 patients.  

From its first blood bank in 1947, the PRC now has 109 operational blood facilities nationwide. 

For blood inquiries and concerns, the public may call the PRC’s hotline at 1158.

The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) expressed appreciation to the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) for its contribution to the success of the recently concluded 2025 National and Local Elections. 

In a commendation letter addressed to PRC Chairman and CEO Richard Gordon on May 30, COMELEC Chairman George Erwin Garcia thanked the humanitarian organization for its invaluable support and steadfast commitment to ensuring safe, orderly, and peaceful elections.

“The efforts of the Philippine Red Cross stand as a powerful testament to your dedication to transparency, partnership, and excellence in safeguarding the integrity of our democratic processes. The professionalism, diligence, and sense of duty displayed by your team throughout this pivotal period reflect the highest standards of public service and have not gone unnoticed,” penned Chairman Garcia. 

“As we move forward and prepare for the upcoming elections, we look forward to sustaining this strong and principled partnership. With your continued support, we are confident in our collective ability to uphold the sanctity of the ballot and ensure that every Filipino vote is protected and respected,” he added. 

Meanwhile, PRC Chairman and CEO Richard Gordon attributed the success of the operation to the exemplary commitment of PRC staff and volunteers, who are always ready to answer the call of duty. 

“Our volunteers have been deployed to their respective assigned areas since May 9. On the election day, they were at the voting precincts at 4 a.m. until the very end. Our volunteers are not paid to do that; they even have the option to stay at home due to extreme heat, but they choose to go out and serve the people. Like I always say, nobody can beat the heart of a Red Cross volunteer. I am very proud of them,” Chairman Gordon said. 

PRC is an independent, autonomous, and non-governmental organization that serves as an auxiliary to the government in the humanitarian field. It does not get its funds from the government but it assists the Philippine government in providing relief, health, and welfare services to the most vulnerable, particularly during disasters and emergencies. 

According to the final ground report released by the PRC for its 2025 election operations, it assisted 11,745 patients. It deployed 2,881 staff and volunteers, 67 ambulances, 31 mobile units, 31 foot patrol units, and 21 emergency vehicles. 

Additionally, it set up 413 first aid stations, a mobile clinic, and 182 welfare desks where 580 individuals were assisted.

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) continues to provide lifesaving services during disasters and emergencies including ready-to-eat and healthy meals, making a difficult situation bearable for vulnerable individuals affected by catastrophes. 

PRC’s 36 food trucks positioned in 102 PRC chapters nationwide delivered hot meals to 14,855 people through the Hot Meals on Wheels Program in the first and second quarters this year.  

PRC Chairman and CEO Dick Gordon underscored the importance of food trucks in combating the country’s hunger problem. 

“Mahalaga ang food trucks ng PRC dahil nakakatulong tayo sa maibsan ang alalahanin ng mga taong naapektuhan ng kalamidad lalo na ang mga nasa evacuation centers na kadalasan ay walang gamit sa pagluluto. Hindi lang natin sila hinahainan ng disenteng pagkain, nagbibigay ang PRC ng pag-asa. Sa pamamagitan ng Hot Meals on Wheels Program na milyon-milyon na ang napakain, naipadarama natin sa ating mga kababayan na hindi sila nag-iisa. Besides, when I was a senator, I authored the Food Donation Law. All they have to do is to properly implement it,” Gordon said. 

The Food Donation Law (RA 9803), authored by Gordon, aims to reduce hunger and food waste by encouraging food establishments to donate wholesome food to charitable organizations for distribution to those in need.

The first four PRC food trucks were donated by Gordon in 2005 to combat malnutrition in various schools in Metro Manila. These were positioned in the PRC chapters in Pasay, NHQ-Mandaluyong, Quezon City, and Manila. 

PRC’s food trucks can feed a hundred individuals per hour and are equipped with industrial-size burners, steamers, and other cooking equipment. All ingredients of the Hot Meals on Wheels program are locally sourced to support local farmers and fisherfolk. 

“We ensure that the meals we serve are not only healthy but safe for consumption. The PRC provides rigorous training programs for our volunteer chefs and nutritionists to ensure safety and dignified food preparations for the people we serve,” PRC Secretary-General Dr. Gwen Pang added. 
Since 2012, the PRC Hot Meals on Wheels program has served hot meals to 1,794,599 individuals from its various humanitarian operations.

MANDALUYONG, Philippines—Showcasing its capacity and readiness to respond to disasters, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) immediately activated its two million volunteers and emergency response assets as the rainy season begins. 

PRC Chairman and CEO Dick Gordon directed PRC staff and volunteers from the national headquarters and 102 chapters nationwide to plan and prepare for possible rescue and relief operations as a low-pressure area (LPA) and southwest monsoon (habagat) continue to bring rains to several parts of the country. 

“The Philippine Red Cross is ready and on high alert as we officially enter the rainy season. Taun-taon tayong naghahanda para rito at mas pinapalakas pa natin ang ating kapasidad para mas marami tayong buhay na mapangalagaan at maligtas,” Chairman Gordon stated.  

PRC advises the public to uphold the organization’s 4Ps in disaster management—Predict, Plan, Prepare, and Practice. 

“Preparation is the key to survival. Our country is prone to tropical cyclones due to its geographical location, that’s why I highly urge our people to be vigilant and practice 4Ps. Nandito ang Red Cross para tulugan kayo anumang oras, pero mahalaga rin na alam ninyo kung paano tulungan ang inyong mga sarili sa oras ng sakuna,” he added. 

Meanwhile, PRC Secretary-General Dr. Gwen Pang reminded the public to build their personal ‘Go Bag’ to prepare themselves for possible evacuation. 

“Even before a disaster strikes, we encourage everyone to organize their personal ‘Go Bag’ which contains essential supplies like food, water, emergency tools, medicines, clothes, money, and important documents that can last for a few days. Mahalaga ito para handa tayo sa posibleng paglikas,” Dr. Pang said.

The PRC will mobilize its eight regional warehouses,178 ambulances, 36 food trucks, 29 water tankers, 21 Volunteer Emergency Response Vehicles (VERVs), amphibious vehicles, rescue boats, and other response vehicles, as well as a dedicated drone and satellite internet communications network.

In addition, the PRC will also mobilize 17 Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) hubs equipped with mobile purification systems and emergency water bladders; three field hospitals; 128 medical tents; and 5,700 medical corps volunteers. These services are supported by PRC’s 109 blood facilities, mobile health units, and vaccination buses. 

For emergencies, the public may call the PRC’s 24/7 hotline by dialing 143. 

Mandaluyong, Philippines—Reinvigorating its commitment to saving lives during disasters and emergencies, the Philippine Red Cross added a new set of humanitarian fleets from its partner organizations—five (5) Volunteer Emergency Response Vehicles (VERV), a service vehicle, and a bloodmobile unit. The turnover ceremony was held on May 28 at the PRC National Headquarters in Mandaluyong. 

The five VERVs were donated by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to be used by PRC Chapters in Northern Samar, Agusan del Sur, General Santos-Sarangai, South Cotabato, and Zamboanga Sibugay. VERV functions as a vehicle for the mobilization of volunteers during critical operations, assistance in evacuation efforts, and pick-up or delivery of lifesaving items to PRC chapters and beneficiaries. A service vehicle also from ICRC will be positioned at the PRC Chapter in Sulu. 

Additionally, a new bloodmobile from the Rotary Club of San Juan Del Monte District 3800 and the Rotary Club of Gyeongju East District 3630 will be used by the PRC Rizal Chapter. This asset is equipped with donor beds, sterile blood collection systems, and donor comfort amenities, ensuring convenience in the blood donation process and rapid delivery of blood supply, especially in geographically isolated communities. 

“The Philippine Red Cross has been busier and more involved. These additional assets are very useful for our continued efforts to alleviate human suffering. I’m glad to see our donors and chapters who are here today; you should help us spread and also be part of the PRC Safe Card which means you are all contributors to making sure that the Red Cross has more assets—bloodmobile units, ambulances, food trucks, water tankers, field hospitals, and so on—ang lahat ng ito ay napapakinabangan ng mga Pilipino at ng bayan,” PRC Chairman and CEO Dick Gordon said. 

“These assets will be supporting our operations on the ground. This is so important to make our presence felt during our emergency and disaster responses. To our donors, thank you for making the PRC your partner of choice,” PRC Secretary-General and Rotary Club of Manila 101 member Dr. Gwen Pang added. 

With these additional assets, the PRC now has 21 VERVs and three bloodmobile units prepositioned in various PRC chapters nationwide. 

The event was graced by the members of the PRC Board of Directors, chapter administrators, and representatives from the ICRC and Rotary Club. 

After another historic 2025 National and Local Elections last May 12, a total of 11,745 vulnerable individuals were assisted by the Philippine Red Cross (PRC). PRC Chairman and CEO Dick Gordon expressed deep appreciation to 2,881 PRC staff and volunteers deployed from May 9 to 12. 

“Like I always say, nobody can beat the heart of a Red Cross volunteer. I called some of our volunteers manning the first aid station positioned at the precinct where I voted to eat with me. They came to me but respectfully declined my invitation. They told me “Salamat po Chairman, pero walang magbabantay ng station at gagamot sa mga tao.” They’re not paid to do that; they even have the choice to stay at home because of extreme heat, but they choose to go out and serve the people. This is the kind of story that the world needs to know. I am extremely proud of them,” Chairman Gordon shared. 

“Our volunteers have been deployed to their respective assigned areas since May 9. On the election day, they were at the voting precincts at 4 a.m. until the very end. They even saved the life of a 70-year-old voter and PPCRV volunteer at Toro Hills Elementary School in Quezon City who fell on the ground,” Gordon added. 

Meanwhile, PRC Secretary-General Dr. Gwen Pang commended the 102 PRC Chapters for providing lifesaving services and support during the elections, ensuring public safety and well-being of voters. 

“Elections are a vital part of our democracy, and the safety and well-being of every voter is just as important. I salute our teams and 102 PRC Chapters nationwide for showing up with compassion and dedication, always ready to serve without bias or hesitation. Your tireless service proves that no challenge is too great when we unite under the banner of humanity. You all make us always first, always ready, always there,” Dr. Pang said. 

According to the final report of the PRC, they monitored the vital signs of 11,531 individuals and its welfare stations assisted 580 people. 192 minor and 13 major cases were treated while 9 patients were transported to hospitals by PRC ambulances. 

PRC positioned 412 first aid stations and 182 welfare desks. The organization deployed 67 ambulance units, 31 mobile units, 31 foot patrol units, 21 emergency vehicles, and one mobile clinic nationwide. 

It can be recalled that the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and Department of Health (DOH) asked for the support of the PRC in ensuring a safe and orderly midterm elections. The partnership was formalized by the memorandum of agreement signed on March 27.

IMUS, CAVITE—With a shared mission to bring hope and enhance productivity of individuals with mobility impairments, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC), Rotary Club of Manila 101, Wheelchair Foundation, and Chair the Love distributed an additional 42 wheelchairs to beneficiaries in Cavite as part of the second phase of the Mobility for Dignity project on March 29, 2025. 

Established in 2021, the project aims to improve productivity among mobility-impaired Filipinos by helping them find employment opportunities, for children to continue their studies, and encourage beneficiaries to live normal lives through the gift of mobility.

“Hope begins with us. I would like to extend my gratitude to our partners for giving us the opportunity to distribute wheelchairs to beneficiaries in many parts of the country,” said PRC Chairman and CEO Dick Gordon. 

“Ang bawat wheelchair ay may kwento ng pag-asa. Hindi lang ito basta isang upuan, kundi simbulo ng pag-asa, pagbibigay ng dignidad, at kalayaan sa ating beneficiaries. Gaya nga ng sabi ni Chairman Gordon, “When we give mobility, we give freedom, independence, and a renewed sense of purpose,” PRC Secretary-General and Rotary Club of Manila 101 member Dr. Gwen Pang stated. 

The mother of a wheelchair beneficiary, Michelle Pagdanganan shared that she carries her eight-year-old son John, who was diagnosed with an inborn orthopedic disability, every day to attend school. Now that John has a brand-new wheelchair, it will help his child to be more independent and driven to achieve his dream of becoming a banker someday. 

She added that the timing is perfect because John, also an honor student, will be attending his recognition day this April. 

Currently, 540 brand-new wheelchairs have been distributed to several beneficiaries in Baguio, Benguet, Caloocan, Cavite, Malabon, Manila, Pasay, Paranaque, Antipolo, Pateros, San Juan, Muntinlupa, Pasig, Mandaluyong, Valenzuela, La Union, and Occidental Mindoro.

 INTRAMUROS, MANILA—Strengthening its commitment to raising environmental awareness, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) hosted a conference on recycling and circular economy with the theme “From Waste to Solutions: Building Partnerships for Sustainable Alternatives to Single-use Plastics” held at Intramuros, Manila on March 25. 

The program started with panel discussions on optimizing the waste-to-resource chain and unlocking business opportunities in the circular economy. It was followed by an exhibition of upcycled and eco-friendly products, and a roundtable discussion. Local government units in Metro Manila, non-governmental organizations, and recycling companies participated. 

“The Circular Economy project has already achieved remarkable results. We have organized 15 associations, primarily in Manila and Navotas. These associations have become more than just groups of waste workers — they are now empowered communities, equipped with the tools and knowledge to operate more effectively and improve their livelihoods. This initiative proves that when we invest in people, we create ripples of change that extend far beyond the individual,” PRC Secretary-General Dr. Gwen Pang remarked. 

“We are here not just to talk but to act — to find solutions, foster collaboration, and create long-term impacts for our communities and our environment,” she added. 

This initiative is part of the project titled “Promotion of a Green and Circular Economy Through Civil Society Engagement and Good Governance in Highly Urbanized Coastal Cities in the Philippines”, a three-year developmental project of the PRC, Spanish Red Cross, European Union, and Eibarko Udala that focuses in areas of Manila, Navotas, and Zamboanga City. 

It aims to educate local government units and private companies on the importance of solid waste management and provide livelihood opportunities to citizens through recycling, upcycling, and the creation of community savings groups. 

Philippine Red Cross

Born officially in 1947, but with roots that traces back to the revolutionary days, the Philippine Red Cross has truly become the premier humanitarian organization in the country, committed to provide quality life-saving services that protect the life and dignity especially of indigent Filipinos in vulnerable situations.

Address: 37 EDSA corner Boni Avenue, Mandaluyong City 1550
Emergency Hotline: 143
Trunkline +63 2 8790 2300
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